As we head towards the winter season, householders and organisations in rural areas are offered some topical advice by security specialists Rural Property Watch:

Dogs. Some Police forces have seen a rise in the theft of dogs, in particular terriers and gun dog breeds. You are advised to ensure that you are aware of your dog’s location and security arrangements including micro chipping and or tattooing.

Quads. Christmas is coming and some people can’t help themselves but to thieve. Quads are again on the increase for theft. Record all details of your quads and any valuable property. Rural Property Watch offers a range of cost-effective portable alarm systems and CCTV systems specially designed for rural properties even where power or a telephone line is not available.

Dale Farm Travellers. As many of you are aware the eviction of travellers in Essex has gone ahead. At this stage Police and the travellers do not know where they are going. This maybe a good time to review your perimeter security to land and open spaces etc.especially security fencing (our colleagues at Asset Fencing would be pleased to offer advice – visit www.assetfencing.com)

Heating Oil theft prevention. As people fill up their heating oil tanks in preparation for the impending big freeze predicted by the weather forecasters, so the temptation increases for thieves to target oil tanks. Rural Property Watch offers a very cost-effective remote heating oil tank alarm system which alerts the householder by SMS text message that fuel in the tank has suddenly dropped.